The Victorian Government has granted SES and CFA members permission to use their equipment on seized hoon cars.

A spokesperson for Police and Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells said when cars were declared abandoned—when hoons did not pay their fines and impoundment costs—they became the property of Victoria Police and were sold or crushed.

Rochester SES member Lindsey Macague welcomed the move.

She said the crew had extensive training, but many of the cars they practised on using the jaws of life were older models.

The crew could now gain practical experience on newer hybrid, dual fuel and gas cars and find out where airbags were in different cars, she said.

Mrs Macague said if airbags did not deploy, the crew would need to mark them and be aware of their location in case they deployed while personnel were trying to rescue someone from a trapped vehicle.

She said hybrid cars carried 75,000 volts and she was looking forward to gaining practical experience with such cars.

Mr Wells said the SES and CFA would have access to an ongoing supply of cars which could be used to simulate rescues.

‘‘Previously, these agencies had to rely on donations from wreckers or the local community and, while gratefully received these vehicles were often not representative of the more modern types of vehicles that are encountered by road rescue crews,’’ he said.

‘‘This partnership is a practical way to assist the SES and CFA and provides the necessary resources to better train their volunteers, which will increase their confidence and capability in dealing with real life road rescue situations.’’